World Reacts to Takaichi’s Election as Japan’s New PM

Tokyo, Oct. 21 (Jiji Press)–World leaders and other officials reacted to the election of Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung wrote on Facebook that he hopes to further strengthen Japan-South Korea cooperation for future-oriented coexistence. Lee stressed that the two countries’ bilateral relations are more important than ever amid increasing uncertainties in the international situation. He added that he looks forward to holding constructive talks with Takaichi when they meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea from Oct. 31. At a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the Chinese government hopes that the new Japanese leader will respect her country’s promises on key political issues, especially those related to history and Taiwan, in order to fully promote a mutually beneficial strategic relationship between Japan and China. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te wrote in Japanese that Takaichi is an “unwavering friend” of Taiwan, expressing anticipation for Japan and Taiwan to further deepen their cooperation to protect the security, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. Earlier this month, members of a suprapartisan group of Japanese lawmakers visited Taiwan to deliver a letter from Takaichi to Lai. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted on X in Japanese to congratulate Takaichi on becoming prime minister. He voiced hopes to work closely together with Takaichi to develop the two countries’ special strategic and global partnership. Modi also said that a stronger bilateral relationship is crucial for the stability and prosperity of both in and outside the Indo-Pacific region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X that Takaichi is “making history” as the first female Japanese prime minister, adding that she looks forward to working closely together to take the EU-Japan partnership to “the next level.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]